Executive Meetings and Events Manager

Elevated Meetings and Events. Exceptional Service. Join the Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection

Compensation: $55,000 to $65,000 per year

What's in it for you...

• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
• Paid time off available from DAY 1!
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
• Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
• Professional development and promotion opportunities!

About this job...

• Responsible for selling and detailing all catering events including contracts, event orders, resumes and other pertinent details for social groups with the goal of exceeding guest expectations.
• Assists in the overall efficient operation of the Sales Department, manages accounts to achieve guest satisfaction and solicits new and past business to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded.
• Clients calls in the market to generate business for the hotel and outlets.
• Additional tasks as needed.
• REPORTS TO:
  
  Director of Sales & Marketing

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responds in a timely manner to incoming group/catering business opportunities.
• Ensures that all business is booked within hotel parameters.
• Conducts hotel site inspections, outside calls and client presentations.
• Create contracts and other related booking documentation as required. Manage and maintain client files.
• Prospect for new business – participate in sales blitzes, cold calling and contacting former clients to solicit new business.
• Builds and maintains strong client relationships.
• Detail events to include all food & beverage, set up and audio-visual needs. Ask appropriate questions of the clients and make suggestions to ensure the details meet the group and the hotel’s needs.
• Create group resumes and communicate client needs to all departments of the hotel. Ensure hotel staff follows through on all requests.
• Use negotiating skills and creative selling abilities to close on business and negotiate contracts.
• Assists Convention Services with administrative reports and weekly event order responsibilities.
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
• Using business tools and first-hand observation to
  identify client needs
  .
• Proactively solicit and secure business from new and prospective clients using proven sales strategies aligned with the hotel’s brand and vision.
• Achieve revenue goals by working in conjunction with the Director of Sales and other Sales Managers, supporting cross-segment selling tactics as needed.
• Manage client contract process
  including negotiation, provisions, and supplemental solution selling, capturing all information necessary for execution and billing.
• Coordinate and conduct site tours emphasizing features to meet client needs and opportunities to enhance overall satisfaction.
• Engage in purposeful communication and build long-lasting rapport with clients
  , creating an open dialogue to uncover client expectations and unrealized needs.
• Promote hotel brand loyalty programs
  , encourage client participation, and offer special rate packages and upgrades when appropriate.
• Effectively communicate with hotel departments to ensure timely and accurate delivery of client expectations, fulfillment of needs, and challenge resolution.
• Always maintain professionalism consistent with hotel brand and company expectations.

• Computer Skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Sales Software Knowledge - Marriott CI/TY a plus (i.e. CI/TY and Social Tables)
• Professional Demeanor
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, manage time and work well under pressure
• At least 2 Years+ of Sales Experience preferably in hospitality
• Superior Negotiation Skills - Proven ability to close deals
• Sales Skills - Possesses strong ability to influence and/or persuade buying decisions and to close sales or gain commitment from others; creates good rapport and exhibits the ability to grow and maintain key partnerships.
• Communication - Has both verbal and written skills, to effectively execute meetings and events this includes keeping the appropriate departments informed with EO's and other necessary information; actively listens to extract essential information in order to maximize revenue and execute successful meetings and events.
• Organizational Skills - Ability to determine priority tasks and maintain strong attention to detail..

• 2+ years of sales experience, preferably in hotels or related field
• Open to training candidate with hotel experience

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including electronic communication
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in primary language used in the workplace

• 8+ hours per day sitting desk/computer; stand and walk occasionally throughout workday
• Lift, lower, and maneuver up to 10 pounds occasionally
• Manual dexterity and repetitive motions required throughout workday

About First Hospitality...

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a forward-thinking hotel development, investment, and management company. First Hospitality’s strategic vision is to create value for all through…